Endothelin
Endothelin
Endothelin (pronounced: en-doh-THEE-lin) is a family of proteins that are potent vasoconstrictors. They are produced by the endothelial cells lining the interior surface of blood vessels and have a key role in vascular homeostasis.
Etymology
The term "Endothelin" is derived from "endothelium", the thin layer of cells that lines the interior surface of blood vessels, and the suffix "-in", which is commonly used in biochemistry to denote a protein.
Function
Endothelins are peptides that constrict blood vessels and raise blood pressure. They are normally kept in balance by other mechanisms, but when they are over-expressed, they contribute to the pathophysiology of a variety of diseases, including hypertension, heart failure, and cancer.
Types
There are three members of the endothelin family: Endothelin-1, Endothelin-2, and Endothelin-3. Each has a different role in the body, but all are involved in the regulation of vascular tone.
Related Terms
- Endothelium: The thin layer of cells that lines the interior surface of blood vessels.
- Vasoconstriction: The narrowing of the blood vessels resulting from contraction of the muscular wall of the vessels.
- Hypertension: A condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high.
- Heart Failure: A chronic condition in which the heart doesn't pump blood as well as it should.
- Cancer: A group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Endothelin
- Wikipedia's article - Endothelin
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